Part play ground, part house, part wind-propelled exploration vehicle, most kids take to boats easily.

It’s not only adults who appreciate the symmetry and grace of a well trimmed sail, bound for a pristine anchorage. Periodically, here at SAILjazz we hear from the next generation of sailors who will soon be plotting their own courses on their own boats with the know how that we pass on to them. The perspective of a young sailor can open up your own eyes to things you learned, knew, but somehow forgot or became accustomed to. Here’s a fifth grade writing exercise by 10-year-old Emily Morton who has been sailing on her Pearson 31 since she was less than one year old, and which may help keep the wonder in your sails.--Ed.

Kitiwake is my secret hideaway, my special place, and the twinkle of my eye. I have as much love for our boat as a mother would her own son. The rustic cabin is a delightful den and the sails are enchanted magic carpets that can fly you from one destination to the next. While doing so, one can smell the salt of the ocean while sailing atop the ripples of a sea of blue.

My sailboat is a dream house filled with joy. Standing at the stern and steering out to sea, I smile and giggle as I plunge into towering walls of wetness and soak my father in salt water. The wheel quickly turns as it spins on its axle. The sun shines off the silver wheel, blinding me with light. The boat turns swiftly as it cuts through the water. As the boat heels I always start to fall over but I catch my balance every time. As I steer into the wind I never forget to smile.

Now the boat is tacking, turning 90 degrees, and I have to release the thick purple rope, and I have to pull the rope on one side and wrap it around the other hinge. We have now put the sails in a new position and tacked. The new view is like a brand new perspective on life. Now, one can feel that the wind is calm, one can hear the chirping birds, see the eternal cool blue with foam at the top of the ripples, and wooden stairs leading to a comfortable, charming, cozy cabin.

The smile says it all.

Our cabin is the home, the bedroom, the spa of the ship. We sleep, eat, relax, and even play cards there. When I sleep in the v-berth, the bow bounces up and down, gently splashing back the water and rocks me to sleep. I wake up by alarmingly flying into the giggling air, because my father is at the helm and went over a blue slope, the size of Mount Everest.

Sailing is exciting and fun, but hard work too. Now the story comes to its end because my Father's boat partner is calling a launch that will come pick the three of us up to take us from our special place. Although, I know we will return soon because the vessel is a place of happiness. I have laughed, sang, and prayed on this sailboat, and if one were to come with me to my special place on the ocean it would become their special spot too. To me, this special place is like no other.